Continue
Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that affects the cells in the back part of your eye, which allows you to visualize objects that are straight ahead. Over time it damages your capacity for sharp, central vision. With macular degeneration, it becomes increasingly more difficult to perform daily tasks such as reading or writing as well as recognizing faces or colors. Among the early signs of vision loss from macular degeneration, are shadowy areas in your central vision and unusually fuzzy or distorted vision. While individuals with advanced cases of macular degeneration are considered legally blind as the result of a profound loss of central vision, their peripheral vision, which is less clear than central vision, is retained. Most people do not experience vision loss in the early stage of age-related macular degeneration and the progression can be slow and painless.
An eye doctor can often detect early signs of macular degeneration before any symptoms are experienced. If signs of the condition are found, additional tests to verify the diagnosis may be ordered. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment to manage the condition and to slow the progression will be prescribed.
There are 2 forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Wet progresses more rapidly and is the cause for visual loss and the majority of patients with macular degeneration. Dry is managed with nutritional supplements and/or nutritional and lifestyle changes. Dr. Isaacs has the latest imaging equipment for diagnosing and treating macular degeneration, including Cirrus OCT and microangiography and flourosein angiography. He has also been treating with intravitreal injections for many years. As such patients can receive advanced treatment for macular degeneration in the comfort and convenience of Dr. Isaacs office.
